To my wonderful readers! I give you the next chapter in this story. I hope you guys enjoyed the last chapter, although I heard very little feedback, which I was quite disappointed about! So from now on, I'm holding my chapters hostage. So the next chapter will not be uploaded until I get at least 5, I repeat 5 reviews. Please please please tell me what you think, how you're liking the story etc. I also want to let you guys know there will be a third and final installment to the Daughter of Eve story. So stay tuned for more information! Something else I think would be really cool, is if you guys wanted to follow me on instagram. it would be an awesome way for my to find out more about my readers and for my readers to find out about me! private message me if you'd like to follow, i'll give you my name there! so happy happy reading darlings! and btw, sorry for the super long authors note! xx
Two days later, I was awoken by playful shouts and a lot of noise drifting in through my big bay window. Reluctantly, I rolled out of bed and ran my hand through my tangled hair. I still wasn't used to the weight on my left hand. I admired my ring and play with it –a habit I'd picked up since receiving it. I walked over to the window and peered out. The usually empty garden, except for the odd knight or two, was full of centaurs, dwarfs, fawns. It was full of Narnians.
In a state of confusion, I got changed as quickly as I could. I put on a mauve coloured dress that was sleeveless. The neckline cowled together hanging low on my chest. It had a full skirt with a little bit of a train. The back of the dress was buttoned up with tiny amethysts. I left my curly and somewhat tangled hair down, and placed a headband of white gold which had round amethysts embedded into it.
I left the room in a hurry, eager to see what was going on in the Cair's grounds. On my way down to the gardens, many preparations were being made to accommodate the thousands we had staying with us over the next day. The Cair hadn't been this busy since the Coronation Ball. I finally made my way outside only to find Peter playing with some of the children. He had them over his shoulder; one was clinging to his legs. Even so, Peter looked like he was having a ball.
"Peter!" I called out to him. He motioned me over with a nod of his head. The dwarf clinging to his leg suddenly stood up and bowed.
"It's a pleasure Princess," the child, no older than six, said as he put on a mature and deep voice.
"The pleasure is all mine, kind Sir," I said bowing to the boy.
"My name is Trifflebrik," he said taking my hand and kissing it.
"Now now Trifflebrik, you're not trying to steal my lady are you?" Peter asked as he put down the fawn that was over his shoulder.
Immediately Trifflebrik dropped my hand. "N-n-no King Peter, I-I was...".
"I'm only joking," chuckled Peter as he ruffled the child's hair. Trifflebrik's face relaxed and within five seconds he went back to playing with the children.
I turned to Peter, his face lit with a smile.
"Well that was awfully cute," I told him as he took my hand and started to walk over to a secluded area.
"It looks like you have an admirer," he joked.
"I don't know if my fiancé would like that."
"Neither would I," he said as he pulled me into a hug.
Once we pulled apart, we looked around and surveyed our garden that was full of our people. I turned to Peter, a serious look on my face.
"Why have they come here Pete?" I asked him.
"First, it was the ones who lived too far away to be protected that showed up asking for refuge. I could hardly turn them away. So they set up. Then I guess word got around." He told me, rubbing my back in circles.
"Will this war be that bad that they have to come and stay with us?" I asked him worried.
"Lex, it's going to be okay, you know that right? I guess that if everyone feels safe here, then that's a good sign. Everyone is going to be able to be together in this time of uncertainty and it'll be like having a big family."
"That makes me feel better for doing this to them," I whispered as I leaned against him.
"Lex, they wanted to fight for us, remember?".
"I know, I know. But seeing those kids so happy and then thinking that maybe one day soon, they won't be because one of their parents will have left them," I told him.
"Lex, we're going to keep those children happy. We've got the best army and we've got the best family," he said looking around. I followed his gaze which swept across most of the Narnian population.
"Indeed we do," I said smiling. "You know you're the best King these people will ever see?"
"I try my best," he said chuckling. Then ever so slyly he pulled me in for a quick kiss, keeping it family friendly as a gang of little kids came to play some more with the High King.
It was late in the afternoon when I walked back down to the gardens. I'd hardly seen Peter all day after he'd been attacked by children and then had to rush off to more war preparations. I walked around the gardens surveying my people as they laughed and carried out chores and ate.
"Princess Alexea," a group of women called out. I turned towards them to see the waving their hands madly for me to join them.
"Ladies," I bowed.
"Come and join us," said one.
"We're weaving blankets for everyone," another said.
"I'd love to but I don't know how to weave," I said.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you," said the first lady.
I sat down and the first lady, whose name I found out to be Vera, set me up a loom. She instructed me in what motions I should make, and soon enough I found myself weaving a blanket of colours.
"We're glad you and King Peter were able to sort things out," said another lady named Frezyia.
"I am as well. Although I wish I was able to do this with you ladies under better circumstances. I feel horrible about putting my people through another war."
"Nonsense! You fought for our freedom and happiness. We can at least return the favour," said Vera.
"Anyway, the thought of having a Telmarine Queen repulsed many," said Frezyia giggling.
"Me too!" I joined in with them. "I want to thank you ladies, for being so understand and supportive, also for teaching me to weave," I said as I held up my first ever blanket.
"No thanks needed, Princess, as long as we are invited to the wedding," Frezyia joked.
"Now that, I can do!" I told them. I said my goodbyes to each of the ladies and left them to be served dinner. I wondered upstairs as dinner would not be served for us until the Narnians had finished. A rule Peter had put in place this morning. I walked into Peter's room excited to show him my blanket and tell him about the time spent with Vera and Frezyia.
"Peter," I said as I walked into his study. Instead of seeing his smiling face, I saw his golden hair spread out across his desk, his forehead lying on papers which were scattered around everywhere. He was working way too hard; he was only 18. A normal 18 year old would be having fun and going out with friends, but that was back home I guess.
"Peter," I whispered as I nudged him into a state of doziness.
"Mmm," he mumbled struggling to open his eyes.
"Come on, let's get you to bed," I said. He stood up slightly, yet his muscles were still asleep. I looped one arm around his waist and looped him arm around my shoulders. We stumbled all the way to his bed. He was so tired he could barely function. I dropped him onto the bed and pushed with all my might until his whole body was laying down flat.
"I see someone's been having second helpings with Mr. Beaver," I joked with myself. I tucked him in, like he had done to me countless of times before. "Good night Pete," I whispered and kissed him on the cheek.
I went to walk away but Peter grabbed my arm and pulled me down on top of him. "Oi cheeky, I thought you were asleep."
"I decided to see how strong you were," he said as he cuddled me.
"Well, a little help would've been nice," I told him.
"Hey, I stood up for you. And for your information, I have not been having second helpings with ." I laughed at this comment.
"Alright Pete, you've got to rest. I'll send someone up to wake you for dinner, okay?"
"Fine," he said as he reluctantly let go of his grip on me. "Don't let me sleep through dinner though."
"I won't," I said as I closed his door. I walked into my room smiling. I was just so ridiculously happy.
The next day our allies from Archenland arrived. Susan of course had been planning a welcoming ball, as well as our engagement ball. She thought it was just genius to mix the two together. King Lune was one of the first people outside of the Pevensies and council to hear the news. It was fair to say my cheeks have never been kissed in congratulations that much before. Many Narnians awaited the night eagaerly as it was many of their first times at a court ball. I wondered down to find Frezyia and Vera getting ready.
"Ladies," I said as I popped inside their tent.
"Princess, I'm glad you're here. We need help with our dresses," said Vera.
"The green or the gold for me?" Frezyia asked holding up her choices.
"Green," I replied.
"Red or purple for me?" Vera asked.
"The purple, it will match the garden flowers which you can use in your hair," I told her. Instantly her face lit up with the hairstyle possibilities.
After a long chat about what the night would hold, I walked out of the tent to start getting ready for myself. I was joined in the walk back up to the castle by Ed. Since we first came to Narnia, he'd grown a whole head length and was now the same height I was.
"Been talking to the people?" I asked him.
"Yes, they all seem rather excited about tonight's ball, even though it's more rustic than usual," he said pointing out the fact that thousands of Narnians wouldn't be dancing in the usual ballroom but the gardens.
"I don't think it matters to them Ed. Nearly everyone's spirit had boosted dramatically!" I told him.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but for once I am agreeing with Susan's balls," he said laughing.
We parted ways, and I joined Susan and Lucy in our joined dressing room and started getting ready.
It was sunset by the time Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and I stood before our people and allies again. It was nearing seven o'clock and the last rays of sun were reflecting off every lady's metallic embroidery. I stood next to Peter, whose was dressed in browns, oranges and reds. I matched him perfectly in a burnt orange dress with gold embroidery around the boat neckline.
"Ladies and gentlemen, fawns, centaurs, dwarves and every other Narnian creature here tonight, my family and I would like to welcome you all to Cair Paravel." Peter said loudly. The crowd cheered and hooted.
"We owe you Narnians many thanks for supporting our decision against the Telmarines. We'd also like to thank our allies from Archenland for coming to fight beside us. Please know we'll always return the favour," said Edmund.
"We also have another special announcement to make. As of three days ago, King Peter and I have been engaged. We are delighted to have you all here with us to celebrate." I yelled out to them. The crowd of colours before us erupted into an enormous roar.
Once they had quietened down Susan concluded to greetings, "And now, we invite you dine with us, dance with us and most of all celebrate!". And with her final words, the music began to play, the fire began to dance, as well as many Narnians who spun and twirled around it all night.
The next day was full of interaction with the people. Many came up and gave me their personal congratulations. Every lady asked to see the ring and was in awe when I showed them. It was when I was talking to Vera and Frezyia, Peter came running up to me.
"Lex, come on. The gryphons have come back from patrol, we've gotta go," he said.
"Pete, what's going on?" I said following him.
"I don't know Lex, but their expressions didn't look good," he said as we weaved and ducked our way through Narnians who were also making their way up to the front of the garden to hear the news. We arrived at last and then the gryphons began to tell us what is happening.
"Your Majesties, the Telmarines are a few hours away from docking. They'll take the beach first and infiltrate the back of the castle. The mouse Heckacheep was listening in on the conversation, we dropped him down and he managed to hear that," said one of them.
"He also heard that, some ships will dock further up so they can infiltrate the front of the castle once the beach has been taken. They'll hold no prisoners and will burn the Cair to the ground," said another.
At this, the crowd began to panic and scream. Peter tried to calm them down, but his voice was lost in the noise until Susan blew her horn. Everyone turned their heads to face the golden haired King standing in front of them.
"Everyone needs to stay calm. Panicking will not help us in this time. We still have a few hours before the Telmarines dock. The council will go in for a short meeting and finalise the plans. I suggest everyone stay with your family and friends, and start to get ready. We will worry about the Telmarines later," he said calmly.
The crowd quietened and calmed down. They began to cling tightly to their families and walk back to their respective tents. Meanwhile, the rest of us walked up to the board room, ready to finalise plans.
"All women and children will be safely in the castle. Fill up every room, get as many as you can in here. And stay with them. I can't be worrying about you too," Peter said to Lucy.
"But Peter, I'm old enough to fight," she replied and ran off quickly to rally the women and children.
"Next one, I promise," he said to her kissing her head.
"The archers will be stationed on the eastern walls ready to attack the men who storm the beach. Can you handle that Susan?" he said nodding to her.
"We'll have you covered," she nodded.
"Edmund, you hold off the front of the castle with Oreius, you'll have half cavalry and half infantry. You send some sort of signal when you see them coming, so I know what's going on," he said.
"I'll send a phoenix, watch the skies," he replied.
"Lex and I will be on the beach. We'll hold them off from the back, with the other halves of cavalry and infantry. Lex, use your powers to stop a fall back. Once of the gryphons will hover and come to get you if you're needed," he said turning to look at me.
"But Pete, I haven't used my powers in a long time," I told him.
"It's like riding a bike, you never forget," he said placing a hand on my shoulder. I nodded at him, not wanting to let him down.
"Alright," he paused looking around the room, "My dear friends, I wish you good luck. Let's go," he said. And with his final words every solider marched out of that room. The Pevensies and I walked down to the armour room, ready to strap on our gear and prepare our weapons.
"Pete, I need help," I said as I passed him my braces.
He gave a little smile and shake of his head, "Who is going to do this for you when I can't?" he asked me.
"Don't say that. You'll always be here to strap on my braces even when we're old and wrinkly," I told him.
"Yes, because when we're old and wrinkly we'll still be participating in war," he said tying up the laces and then pulling down my short chainmail sleeves over the top.
I shrugged, "Besides, this is my good luck charm." He simply smiled and then Edmund and Susan both suited up joined us. We stared at each other for a long time, none of us knew if we were going to see each other again, and none of us wanted to say it out loud.
"I love you guys, you know. I may not always say it, but I do," Edmund said looking at the floor. I put my arm around him and let my head rest on his shoulders.
"We know Ed, we know," said Susan.
"Group hug?" asked Peter. We all smiled and embraced each other. We stayed like this for a long time.
"Come you bunch of girls," said Su wiping a tear away from her eye, "The army has gathered and Peter needs to give his encouraging speech," she joked. We laughed and followed her out of the room.
Once the Cair was in full lockdown, Peter, Susan, Ed and I stood on the balcony overlooking all of our troops. Everyone was decked out in their full suit of armour. Susan and I had matching war dresses, both leather bodices, with short chainmail sleeves. Susan had a purple skirt which hid her chainmail pants whereas I had a red one. Peter and Edmund wore the tradition red suit over their chainmail. The only difference between them and the troops were the gold helmets they held in their hands.
"The first time I led you all into battle, I didn't know if I would make it out alive let alone lead my people out alive too. Even so, you all had faith in me and believed that I could. With that knowledge, I stand here today in front of you ready to lead you into another battle. However this time, I know all of us will make it out. We'll make it to see another day of sunlight, we'll make it to hold our loved ones close," he said and he put his arm around me.
"This time, we're fighting for Narnia. Not for ourselves, but for the life of Narnia, our families, our friends, our allies. We're fighting for each other in hope we will be free of these barbarians knows as the Telmarines," he paused to let the crowd let out a battle cry.
"Now my friends, family, allies, I wish you all the luck in our world. May your attacks be flawless and your blocks be strong. Let Aslan be with you all. For Narnia and for Aslan," he yelled out in a cry. Everyone held up their swords to the sky and cheered. It sent shivers down my spine. In this one moment we were united, together as one, to fight an enemy greater than the Witch.
The troops marched off to their positions. The four of us stood as we watched the army disperse. We looked out into the horizon and saw the ships begin to near the shore. The sun was lowering in the sky and it gave off a red glow. Hopefully this colour didn't mimic what was to come. We stood on the balcony for a long time, holding hands.
"For you and Peter," Edmund said as he looked over to us.
"No, this is for all of us," Peter proclaimed.
We all turned to walk down to our positions, just as the waves pushed each Telmarine boat onto the Narnian shore.